Foldable metal awning



June 10, 1952 N. ETTEN 2,600,228

June 10, 1952 N. ETTEN 2,600,228

FOLDABLE METAL AWNING Filed June 5, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 128 lEiFEYTTUT .NZ'c/Qolas L. Etten June 10, 1952 N. L. ETTEN FOLDABLE METAL AWNING 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 5, 1951 W TEX 3 u v a J \alklo I l n 5 W i O fm Z H June 10, 1952 N. ETTEN FOLDABLE METAL AWNING e Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 5, 1951 June 10; 1952 N. ETTEN FOLDABLE METAL AWNING 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 5 1951 June 10, 1952 N. L. ETTEN FOLDABLE METAL AWNING 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed June 5, 1951 Patented June 10, 1952 UNITE-D "STA-TEES PATENT DEF-ICE FOEDABILE METAL AWNING I Nicholas L. Etten CedarFaHs, Iowa Applicationwlune- 5, 1951,?SerialNo 230,048

.13-.Claims.

:1 This invention relates -to .a:foldable metaleawning and more .particularlyl'tosanzeasilyiinstalled metal awningoperable from az'compact folded position toan extended positioniafiording. great protection from elements a which :is .istrong. .and durable in constructionzand which tisireadily and economically manufacturable.

Conventional I foldable 2. awnings 2. such as i those constructed of canvasandrthe likesareigenerally quite flimsy, are. susceptible-l-tostdama'ge.zby; high winds and wear outrquickly. *1 In-aaddition, such awnings, in order that theirifuseful lifezbez prolonged, must be taken'.down,z:stored,; andyputup annually. Further isuchtawningscare generally not attractive in app'earancetinitheirrretracted or closed position.

One object ofltheipresent invention isato provide a foldable awningtofla strong-:metallic construction which will resist high :windsand which will be very durable.

Another objectrof the present: invention-is to provide a foldablexsmetal awningwhich can; be easily and economically: manufactured.

A furthercbject ofi the present-invention is. to provide an improved; readily :operated mechanism for retracting andzextending a .foldable awning.

Still another object .of'thisiinvention' is to provide a foldable metaliawningvwhich is attractive in appearance inboth theretracted'andzextended positions.

A still further: objectrofsthe; present invention is to provide an.awning havingimproved ventilation structure.

A feature of the presentinventionis in:.the-provision of an. awning topsincludingfoldablesections which: can 'bessmoothlygoperated between a compact folded position andan' extended'position afiording great protectionzfrom theelements.

Another feature of .the .presentrinvention isin the provision of a metallic awningmaving a foldable top and extendible sidepanels-conneoted-to the foldable top and'oper'abletherewith.

A further feature of:.the present invention-iain the provision of 'animproved'; compact bevel gear operating mechanismfor a foldable-awning.

Still another feature of this inventionislin'the provision of an improvedd'ouveredawning-panel construction affording wentilation openings and preventing accumulation of hot air belowmthe awning.

Other objects, featureaand advantages-of the present invention will becomemore vapparentfrom the following detailed. description" taken in conjunction K with the accompanying drawings: in which:

2 :Figure 1: is acperspective viewiof an awning constructed in accordance-with the principles; of;the

present, invention mounted on k a window frame and disposed in extendedposition;

.rFigure2 is a perspective view-of the awning of Figure 1; in retracted or foldedrposition;

:Figure 3 is; a .sectional\view,-;on zan enljal ed scale; taken substantiallyalong line pill-III of Fig r l;

Figure-.14 is a side elevational view,; on anenr dcscaie. of the. awn n zoftFisur .1-. i apa tially retracted position;

, i'Eigu-re '5, is an inside. view of the upper-fixed top: panel section with the-side channels; removed and-with the;: intermediate and lower;.top ;panel sections-removed;

Figure-:16 is-a sectional view, on an ;.e1; 1arg ed scale, taken substantially along line- AIL-VI of Fi ur 'rFfigure. 7 1 is a sectional view, on-;an; enlarged scale..- .taken substantially along line VII-NH; of

Figure, 21;

-Eigure ;8- is l a diagrammatic illustration; of ;;the

cable and; pulley :o rat nsrme mi for; the control I arm 1 Figure 9.is: a sectional view'ion an enlarged scale,

taken; substantiallyqalong; ,lineglX-IX ;of Figure 3 .i-Figure :10 is; a; sectional view, ong an en1arged scale, taken substantially along lineXe-X; of Fig- .alongline- KILL-XIII of-Ffigure, l2;

Figure -141is a sectional-viexvtaken substantially alongiline of Figure 1;

.-Eigure .15 is a sectional "View, on an. enlarged scale taken substantially along line XV of- Figure 1;

. Figure -16 is; a sectional .view; onan enlarged scale, taken substantially along line -XVI of Figure 1;. and

Eigure. 17..is. a sectional viewilon an enlarged scale, taken substantially along. line XVII of Figure 1.

.As shown on the drawings j In. general, an, awning, constructed in accordance with the principles of .the present inyen- .tion nayi. include an upper louveredtopjjpanel generally designated by. reference numeral 2 {3 arranged to; befaffiixed to. and extend outwardly and downwardly from a wall, or upper portion of a window or door frame. A pair of fixed opposed allochiral side panels 2| and 22 are secured at their upper edges to the top panel and are secured at their inner edges to the wall or side members of the window or door frame. An intermediate louvered top panel section 23 is pivoted or hinged at its normally upper edge to the lower edge of the upper fixed top panel 20 and a lower louvered top panel section 24 is pivoted or hinged at its normally upper edge to the normally lower edge of the intermediate top panel section 23. A pair of triangulate intermediate opposed side panels 25 and 25 are pivoted adjacent lower vertex portions thereof to the fixed side panels 2| and 22, respectively, adjacent the lower ends thereof, and a pair of lower generally triangulate opposed side panels 21 and 28 are pivoted adjacent lower vertex portions thereof to the fixed side panels 2| and 22. The lower pivoted side panels 21 and 28 are pivoted adjacent outer lower points thereof to the lower top panel section 24 adjacent the lower edge thereof.

With the construction thus far described, movement of the intermediate top panel section 23 about its pivotal connection to the fixed top panel section 20 will move the parts of the awning between extended position as illustrated in Figure l and compact retracted or folded position as illustrated in Figure 2. The movement of the a top panel sections 23 and 24 and the movement of the pivoted side panel sections 25, 26, 2! and 28, when the awning is actuated between retracted and extended positions, will be clear from reference to Figure 4 which shows the parts in partially retracted or intermediate positions.

To operate the awning between retracted and extended positions, a shaft 33 is journaled for rotation below the upper fixed top panel sections. This shaft 30 projects outwardly beyond the sides of the fixed top panel section 23 and affixed to each of the projecting ends of the control shaft 30 is an operating arm 3|. Each arm 3| is preferably fixed to the shaft 3i! by means of a cap 32 which extends over the end of the shaft 30, and each operating arm extends through the associated cap 32 and the associated end portion of the shaft 30 and suitably anchored by a cotter pin 33 extending through each cap 32 and the end portion of the associated arm 3 I.

Telescopically associated with each of the arms 3| is a sleeve 34 having its outer end pivotally connected to the intermediate pivoted top panel section 23, preferably at the axis of pivotal connection between the top panel sections 23 and 24.

Referring to Fig. 4, it will be readily seen that rotation of the shaft 30 and arm 3| in a counterclockwise direction will move the awning from extended to retracted position, the sleeve 34 being telescopically movable with respect to the arm 3| so that the spacing of the axes of the shaft 30 and the pivotal connection between the top panel section 23 and the top panel section 20 will not interfere with the pivotal movement.

To rotate the shaft 30 and move the awning between retracted and extended positions, a beveled sector gear 35 is affixed to a central portion of the shaft 30 and a beveled sector gear 35 rotatable about an axis normal to the axis of shaft 33 meshes with the sector gear 35. A control or actuating arm 31 is affixed to the beveled sector gear 36. This control arm 31 has a pair of pulleys 38 and 39 rotatably mounted on the free end thereof so that the control arm can be readily operated by rope, cable, or the equivalent.

Figure 8 diagrammatically illustrates a preferred rope and pulley operating arrangement for the control arm 31. Referring thereto, a pair of pulley blocks 4| and 42 are secured to the side panel 2| and a pulley block 43 is secured to the side panel 22. A rope or cable 44 is secured at one end to the side panel 2| by means of an eyelet 45 and is secured at its other end to the side panel 22 by means of an eyelet 43. The cord 44 extends from the eyelet 45 around the pulley 38, around the pulley 42, downwardly to a looped end 440 forming operating portions 44b and 44c,v

and from the portion 44a upwardly around the pulley 4|, over to and around the pulley 43, around the pulley 39 and to the eyelet 46.

It will be readily seen that a downward pull on the portion 44b will shorten the length of the cord 43 between the pulley 38 and the side panel 2| so that the operating arm 31 will be moved counterclockwise as viewed in Fig. 8. Conversely, a downward pull on the portion 440 will shorten the length of the cord 44 between the pulley 39 and the side panel 22 and will move the operating arm clockwise as viewed in Fig. 8. Movement of the control arm 3! counterclockwise as, viewed in Figure 8 will operate the control shaft 33 to move the awning to extended --position and clockwise movement of the control 37 will operate the control shaft 30 to move the awning to retracted position. To secure the awning in either retracted or in extended position, the looped end portion Ma may be secured to a cleat 41 as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

Having thus described the general construction and operation of the awning, the construction and assembly of the various parts of the awning will now be described in detail.

An elongated bar or bracket 50 having an angular, generally L-shaped cross-section is adapted to be secured to the upper portion of the window frame or the like. This bracket 50 preferably has inverted keyhole openings 5| adjacent the ends thereof facilitating the disposition of the bracket over heads of screws extending into the upper portion of the Window frame, as best illustrated in Fig. 5. A pair of bars 52 and 53 are afifixed to the end of the bracket 53 and extend outwardly and downwardly therefrom. The bar 52 has a flange portion 52a extending upwardly from the outer edge thereof and a flanged portion 52b extending downwardly from the inner edge thereof and the bar 53 has a flange 53a extending upwardly from the outer edge thereof and a flange 53b extending downwardly from the inner edge thereof, as best illustrated in Figs. 5, 11 and 14.

' 55, the bracket 53 has downwardly turned cars 54 and 55 at the ends thereof which are secured to the upwardly extending flanged portions 521; 'and 53a of the bars 52 and '53, respectively, by means of rivets 56. The down-turned flange portions 522) and 53b are secured to the upper edge portions of the fixed top panels 2| and 22, respectively, by means of rivets 51 or equivalently as seen in Figs. 3, 4, and 6.

An upper louver 50 is formed with an upturned flange portion 63a at its inner edge so that the louver fits snugly against the bracket 50. The louver 60 is herein secured to the bracket 59 by means of rivets 6| as shown in Fig. 5. The outer portion of the louver 6B is held in spaced relation to the bars 52 and 53 by means of spacers 62 secured to the louver 60 tends. between the flanges of a channel II and is seby means of a screw I3. support for the louvers 63, a centrally located and the bars 52 and '53, preferably by means of a riveting operation.

'A'plurality of louvers 63 are secured between the bars 52 and 53 and extend outwardly and downwardly in overlapping relation. To secure the louvers 63 to the bars '52 and 53, the bars '52 and 53 are deformed upwardly to provide stepped portions 520 and 53c, respectively, against which rearward portions of the louvers 6 '3 are secure d by means of rivets 64. The bars 52 and53 are further deformed to pro'vide'stepped portions 52d and 53d, respectively, to which spacers 65 are secured, the upper ends 'of the spacers 65 being secured to the forward portions ofthe louvers63 by means of a riveting operation. This construction is best illustrated Fig. 6. "Referring thereto, itmay be noted that the downturned flanged portions 531) may-be cut out as at 66 so that the steppedportions 53c and 53d may be more readily formed.

The louvers 66 are preferably disposedin overlapping relation as illustrated so that air can readily pass between the louvers while rain, snow and the like are efiectively excluded. To further prevent rain, snow and the like from passing between the louvers, each louver 63 is preferably formed with an upwardly extending flanged portion 63a at its rearward side and downwardly extending flanged portion63b at its forward'side.

As stated above, the operating mechanism is carried by the upper fixed section of theawning and with reference to Figs. 3, 4 and 5 it will be seen that the control shaft 66 is journaled for rotation in bearing plates 66 secured to the outer sides of fixed panels 2| and 22 and the downturned flanges 52b and 531) by means of rivets '67.

The sector gear 35 is affixed to the 'shaft'36, and the sector gear 36, to which the control arm 31 isafiixed, is journalled for rotation on a support bracket I6 through whichthe shaft '36 ex- The bracket I6 has a portion extending cured thereto by means of rivets or bolts I2. The channel II extends upwardly and inwardly and is secured at its upper end to the bracket 56 To provide central angularly formed plate I5 is secured at its upper end to the channel II by means of a rivet I6 and to central portions'ofthe louvers 63 by means of rivets IT as best illustrated in Fig. 3. To prevent rain, snow and the like from entering at the sides of the top panel section 26, and to rigidify the top panel section 26, a channel 78 is attached to the up-turned flange 521) by means of rivets I9 and extends over-the left ends of the louvers 63, as viewed in Fig. 1 and a channel 86 is secured to the up-turned flange 53b by-means of rivets BI and extends over the right-hand ends of the louvers 63. The channels i8 and 86, for the purpose of 'clarity of illustration, have not'been shown in-Fig. 5, but may be readily seen in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, Hand 14.

The intermediate top panel section 23' is somewhat similar in construction to the aflixed top panel 26 described above. Referring-to Figs. 3

11, 12 and 15, louvers 83 are secured between brackets 86 and '85 of generally-right-angular crosssection, the brackets 84 and 85 having upwardly deformed stepped portions'84a and 85a,

respectively, to which the louvers may be secured rbyymea'ns of rivets bpacers "81.

" k pair ofchannels 88 and 89-arefattachedfto the'bracketsSIi' and '85, respectively, and extend over the louvers. 83a-to prevent 'rain, s'now"and the like from entering 'between the louvers from the sides.

To hinge the intermediate side panels section '23 to the upper'aflixed panel section 26, brackets 9| "having spa'cedj ears 91a. and 91b are fixed to the up-turned flanges 52a and 53'aby'means of'rivets 92 and plates 93 having ears 9312 are connected to the brackets 84 and by means of rivets 94. Hinge :pins "65 extend through associated ears Sim/93a and SH). Thus, the

intermediate top panel section '23 is hinged to the affixed top panel "section 26 so that it may be rnoved-betwee n the positions of Figs. 1 and2. If desired, in order to provide further support for the louvers 83 of th'eint erniediatetop panel means of rivets I63 and to which forward portions of the louv'ers I66 are secured by means of spacers I64. Further support of the-louvers I66 may be provided, if desired, bymeans of a plate I65 having an undulating angular configuration located'centrally between the-brackets ml and I62 and towhich the louvers may be connected by means of rivets I66 as illustrated in Fig. 3.

To pivotally connect the top panelsectio n Mto the top panel section 23, a bracket I61 having spaced ears mm and I6'Ibjissecured to each of the brackets 84'and 85 by means "of rivets I66, a plate I69 having an ear I69a' extending between the ears 168a and I68b is fixed to each of the brackets "IM and I62 by means of rivets H6 and a hinge pin III extends through the ears I68a, I69a and I66b. The hinge pins III also serve as pivotal connections for the telescopingarms 34, as shownin Fig. 4.

The top panel section 24 has a lower valence portion including a pair of plates H2 and II-3 mounted on the brackets IM and I62, respectively, by means of rivets II4. A plate 5 extends between the plates H2 and II 3, the plate H5 having a terminal flange ll5a'secur'ed to the plate II 2 and a terminal'flange'll'5b'secured to the plate II 3,

To further rigidify the top panel "section 24 and to prevent rain, snow, or the like from entering at the sides of thelouvers I66, a channel H6 is disposed around the sides andiower edge of the section 24. The channel II 6 has a portion II6a connected to the bracket I 6| a portion II6b connected to the flanged 'po'rtion I I'5c of the' plate I I 5"and a portion I I lie attached to the bracket I62. U V c p By this invention, an interlock is providedbetween the lower top panel "section 24 andfth'e 'sidejpanels 21 and 28 in the "open orextehded position of the awning. To this end, generally L-shaped brackets I I9 and I26 are mounted on the side panels 27 and 28, respectively, "adjacent the outer edges thereof.

Referring to Fig. 16, the bracket II9has'a generally V -shaped, deformation II 9a therein into "which an integralgeiierally V shaped"proiection Illlb' of the bracket IllI extends in the open or extended position of the awning. Similarly, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the bracket I20 has a generally V-shaped trough-like projection I2Ila therein into which an integrally formed generally V-shaped projection I021: of the bracket I02 extends in the open or extended position of the awning. Thus, an interlocking engagement is provided between the side panels 21 and 2B and the top panel section 24.

To pivotally connect thetop panel section 24 to the side panel sections 21 and 28, with reference to Figs. 12 and 17 it will be seen that a pair of brackets I2I, each having a pair of inwardly extending ears, are secured to the plate II5, an ear I22 is attached to each of the plates I I9 and I20 and a hinge pin I23 extends through the ears of each of the brackets I2I through each of the ears I22.

To rigidity, the side panels 2|, 22, 25, 26, 21 and 28, in-turned flanges are formed at the inner and outer edges of each of the panels. If desired, the side panels may be further rigidified to deaden the same against vibrations that might be caused by variations in wind pressure, for example, by means of strips I25, preferably of wood, fixed in place adjacent the outer flanged edges of side panels 2I and 22, strips I26 adjacent the outer flanged edges of panels 25 and 26 and strips I21 adjacent the outer fianged edges of side panels 21 and 28.

The panels 25 and 21 are pivoted to the panel 2I and the panels 26 and 28 are pivoted to the panel 22 by means of generally U-shaped brackets I28 mounted on the side panels 2I and 22. Referring to Fig. 7, a pin I29 extends through the legs of the U-shaped bracket I28 and through the panels 2I, 25 and 21 and the strips I25, I26, I21 secured thereto. The pin I29 may be held in position by means of a cotter pin I33 as illustrated. To hold the panels in spaced relation, the panels 25 and 21 may have outwardly deformed portions I3I and I32, respectively, adjacent the opening therein through which the pin I29 extends. A similar bracket I28, pins I29 and cotter pins I38 are used to pivotally support the side panels 28 and 28.

As seen in Fig. 3, means are herein provided for guiding the'panels 25, 2B, 21 and 28 in their pivotal movement between. retracted and extended positions. To this end, a plate or bar I33 having a generally arcuate upper edge is pivotally connected to each of the panels 2I and 22 by means of a pin I34. Referring to Figs. 3 and 9, each bar I33 has a transverse slot I35 in the inner end portion thereof and a headed pin I35 extends through each of the slots I35 and is connected to the associated side panel 2| or 22. On each side of the awning, a tension spring I3'I has one end connected to the end of the bar I33 and the other end attached to the associated side panel 2I or 22 to resiliently urge the bars upwardly. As best illustrated in Figure 10, a headed pin I38 is secured to each of the pivoted side panels 25 and 26 and extends over the upper arcuate edge of the associated bar I33. It will be readily seen that the engagement between each of the pins I38 and the associated bar I33 will maintain the side panels 25 and 26 in position during pivotal movement between retracted and extended positions, the tension springs I31 acting to resiliently engage the pins I38 with the bars I33 during the pivotal movement.

To guide the side panels 21 and 28, a plate I39 is mounted on each of the panels 25 and 26,

each plate having an upper portion I39a inwardly spaced from the inner face of the associated panel 25 or 26 and having an arcuate upper edge. A headed pin I46 is secured to each of the panels 27 and 28 and engages the upper arcuate edge of the associated plate I39 to guide the panels 27 and 28 in their movement between retracted and extended positions.

In summary, the awning of this invention, being constructed of metal, is strong and durable as contrasted with the flimsily constructed conventional awnings which wear out quickly. The parts of the awning are readily constructed and assembled and may be smoothly actuated between folded and extended positions. It will be noted that the parts snugly engage and interlock in both positions so that rattling and noise are effectively prevented. In addition, the awning presents a neat and attractive appearance in both extended and folded positions.

Further, the component parts of the awing are in the main simple stampings, simply connected. whereby the awning is economically manuiactured.

It will be understood that modifications and variations may be eiiected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. An awning comprising a fixed top panel, a plurality of hingedly connected top panels foldable over the fixed top panel, an actuating arm, and gear means connecting the actuating arm and the foldable top panels together.

2. An awning comprising a fixed top panel, a pair of fixed side panels secured to the fixed top panel, a plurality of hingedly connected top panels foldable over the fixed top panel, a plurality of side panels pivoted on a common axis and retractable to nested positions between the fixed side panels, and means connecting the re tractable side panels and. the foldable top panels together for concurrent actuation thereof.

3. An awning comprising a fixed top panel and a pair of movable top panels hingedly connected thereto, the movable top panels being actuatable between an extended position and a compact folded position over the fixed top panel, a pair of fixed side panels secured to the top panel, a pair of movable side panels pivoted on each of said fixed side panels, each movable side panel being actuatable between a retracted position in nested relationship with the associated fixed side panel and an extended position in which an edge portion thereof engages and supports one of the movable top panels.

4. An awning comprising a fixed top panel and a pair of movable top panels hingedly connected thereto, the movable top panels being actuatable between an extended position and compact folded position above the fixed top panel, an operating arm connected to one of said top panels for actuation thereof, and rope and pulley means for operating the actuating'arm.

5. An awning comprising a plurality of hingedly connected top panels actuatable between extended position and compact folded position, an operating arm connected to one of said top panels for actuation thereof, a rope and pulley actuated control arm, and gear means operatively connecting the control arm and the operating arm.

6. An awningcomprising a plurality of hingedly connected top. panels actuatable between extended-positions-and compact folded positions,

and a pair of side panels pivoted on a common generally horizontal axis and hinged to a terminal one of said foldable top panels, said side panels supporting said terminal one of said top panels in the extended position thereof.

'7. An awning comprising a plurality of hingedly connected top panels actuatable between extended positions and compact folded positions, a pair of pivoted side panels hinged to a terminal one of said top panels and supporting said terminal one of said top panels in the extended position thereof, and interlock means between said side panels and said terminal top panel.

8. In an awning having a foldable top and a plurality of relatively movable parallel pivotally connected side panels operatively associated with the foldable top, means for guiding one side panel in its pivotal movement relative to another side panel, comprising, a member connected to said another side panel and having an edge extending generally in an are about the axis of pivotal connection of said one side panel and said another side panel, and a headed guided member aflixed to said one side panel and engaging said arcuately extending edge to maintain said one and said another side panels in parallel relationship during relative pivotal movement thereof.

9. An awning comprising a first plurality of pivotally connected side panels relatively movable in generally parallel vertical planes, a second plurality of pivotally connected side panels relatively movable in generally parallel vertical planes and laterally spaced from said first plurality of side panels, and a foldable top operatively associated with said first and second pluralities of side panels.

10. In an awning having a movable top and a plurality of relatively movable parallel pivotally connected side panels operatively associated with the foldable top, means for guiding one of said side panels in its pivotal movement relative to another side panel, comprising: a member pivotally connected to said another side panel and having an edge extending generally in an are about the axis of pivotal conection of said one and said another side panels, a guide member secured to said one side panel and engageable with said arcuately extending edge, and spring means between said pivotal member and said another side panel for resiliently urging said arl inclined plane, first and second pluralities of vertical trianguloid side panels pivotally connected adjacent lower portions thereof to said first and second fixed side panels, respectively, said first and second pluralities of pivotal side panels being actuatable between retracted positions in nested relationship with said fixed side panels and extended positions in which edge portions thereof are aligned with and extended downwardly from said upper edge portions of said fixed side panels, and a foldable top operatively associated with said side panels and actuatable therewith to abut the aligned edge portions thereof.

12. An awning comprising a foldable top including a fixed top panel section and a pair of movable top panel sections hingedly connected thereto, the movable top panel sections being actuatable between extended positions in alignment with the top panel section and folded position in nested relationship to the fixed top panel sec tion, and actuation means comprising a shaft journalled for rotation below the fixed top panel section, an actuating arm carried by said shaft, a member telescopically connected to said actuating arm and pivotally connected to one of said movable top panel section, a first beveled sector gear carried by said shaft, a control arm, a second beveled sector gear carried by said control arm and meshing with said first sector gear, and rope and pulley means for operating said control arm.

13. An awning having a foldable top comprising a plurality of hingedly connected top panel sections actuatable between extended and com pact folded position, each top panel section including a pair of side members and a plurality of louvers supported therebetween in overlapping relation, the louvers adjacent hinged connections of adjacent sections being in overlapping relation in the extended position of the top panel sections thereby to prevent entrance of rain and the like through the extended top.

NICHOLAS L. ETTEN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

, UNITED STATES PATENTS Number 

